Have a question?

president@wstra.org

Become a Member

What is Recreational Therapy?

Recreational Therapy (RT) is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses, disabling conditions, or adverse circumstances. Its goal is to promote psychological and physical health, recovery, and overall well-being.

Recreational Therapy aims to restore, remediate, or rehabilitate a client’s level of functioning and independence in life activities.
(ATRA, 2025)

What is a Recreation Therapist?

Recreational Therapists are skilled healthcare providers who use a systematic process, evidence-based interventions, and purposeful activities to help clients achieve well-being.

They work in a variety of clinical and community settings—including schools, hospitals, and community programs—and apply their unique expertise to help clients overcome barriers to well-being and participation in meaningful activities.
(ATRA, 2025)

What is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)?

A qualified Recreational Therapist is nationally certified as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS®)through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) and is often referred to as a Recreational Therapist.

To become certified through NCTRC and earn the CTRS credential, individuals must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in Therapeutic Recreation or a closely related field,

  • Complete a 14–16 week internship under the supervision of a qualified CTRS, and

  • Pass the NCTRC Certification Exam.

Once certified, a CTRS maintains their credential through the NCTRC recertification process.

NCTRC also offers a Specialization Area Designation as a direct extension of the CTRS credential for qualified individuals. This designation highlights experience and focused continuing education within a specified area of practice.

Visit www.nctrc.org for detailed information on the certification process and additional services offered through NCTRC.
(ATRA, 2025)

Pathway to Certification

Completion of Therapeutic Recreation Content and Supportive Coursework is required in accordance with NCTRC Standards.

Therapeutic Recreation Content Courses

  • A minimum of 18 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of Recreation Therapy/Therapeutic Recreation (RT/TR) coursework aligned with the NCTRC Job Analysis.

  • A minimum of six (6) RT/TR courses is required.

  • Up to two (2) of the required courses may be taught by the applicant if they are a qualified educator. (Educators may not enroll in their own courses to meet certification requirements.)

Supportive Courses

  • A total of 18 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of supportive coursework, including:

    • 3 semester (4 quarter) hours in Anatomy and Physiology

    • 3 semester (4 quarter) hours in Abnormal Psychology/Mental Health Conditions

    • 3 semester (4 quarter) hours in Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan

  • Remaining credits may be completed in the social sciences or humanities.

Education Requirement

Enrollment in or completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university (verified by official transcript) with one of the following:

  • Major in Therapeutic Recreation (Recreation Therapy)

  • Major in Recreation or Leisure with an option in Therapeutic Recreation

  • Combined major in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, or Leisure with other fields (e.g., Therapeutic Recreation and Health Studies; Recreation and Sport Management; Leisure and Tourism)

  • Major in another field plus completion of required Therapeutic Recreation coursework

Internship Requirement

  • A minimum 560-hour, 14-week internship for academic credit using the therapeutic recreation process as defined by the current NCTRC Job Analysis.

  • Supervision by an active CTRS on the first day of the internship (changes in supervisor certification status during the internship will not affect eligibility).

OR – Professional Work Experience Option

  • 5,000 hours of paid professional work experience using the therapeutic recreation process, or

  • 1,500 hours of paid professional work experience using the therapeutic recreation process under the supervision of a CTRS (with at least 1 hour of supervision for every 10 hours worked weekly).

  • Supervisors must be active CTRSs on the first day of the applicant’s work experience (changes in certification status during this time will not affect eligibility).

Cited from NCTRC Certification Standards – July 1, 2025

Thank You

Thank you for considering a career that makes an impact as a Recreation Therapist. Please refer to the resources above, such as ATRA and NCTRC, for additional information.

close
Facebook Icon